The Plays of Shakespeare: A Thematic GuideTouching viewers and readers with his presentation of social, moral, and political issues, Shakespeare holds ageless and unequaled appeal primarily because of the universal themes at the heart of his dramatic works. Shakespeare scholar Victor Cahn takes a unique approach to exploring the plays by identifying and explicating the themes that recur throughout the canon. Written in lively language, each of the 35 essays explores a core theme or topic and discusses its implications in several key plays in which it figures prominently. This user-friendly guide not only allows readers to better understand the significance of concepts such as power, politics, marriage or money; the organization by theme also helps users to compare and contrast these important topics across relevant plays. Cahn draws vivid connections between related works of Shakespeare, but just as importantly, enlightens readers as to the pertinence of these themes in contemporary life. |
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... lago in torment over the emotional and physical joy shared by Othello , a black man , and Desdemona , a younger white woman , and this torment takes the form of bitter humor that Iago uses to drive Othello to a frenzy of jealousy . After ...
... character has been forced by Iago's wife , Emilia , to acknowledge the terrible truth that it was Othello's ensign lago who tricked the general into believing that Desdemona was unfaithful 100 The Plays of Shakespeare.
... is sensitive about his status . Perhaps here is one reason he accepts his ensign lago's insinuations about Desdemona's supposed infidelity . The concept of " honor , " therefore , pervades the text , although the word itself 129 Honor.